Sainsbury’s Local approved for Cubbington

Permission for a Sainsbury’s Local to be built in Cubbington has been given after planners dismissed claims that it could have a negative or dangerous effect on traffic.

The application includes demolition of an outbuilding to the Rugby Tavern in Rugby Road to make space for the convenience supermarket.

The pub will remain in place alongside the new site and a total of 58 parking spaces will be provided to be shared between the pub and nearby shops after the proposal was agreed by Warwick District Council’s planning committee on Tuesday. Supporting the build, Cllr Alan Boad said the build was similar to the nearby Tesco Express store in Crown Way which has not led to any complaints over noise or traffic since opening.

He told the committee: “In terms of increased traffic, this would not be pulling shoppers in from outside Lillington and Cubbington. I don not think there will be any dangers and the trade will mainly come from passing traffic or people nearby.”

The application received majority support despite 83 objections being submitted against the application, including from Cubbington Parish Council which had fears over the increase in traffic and impact on nearby businesses.

Of the objectors, three spoke at Tuesday’s meeting to try to see the application refused to protect their homes from noise and disruption, and to help nearby businesses.

Ricky Jhuti, who owns the nearby Bargain Booze shop, said: “We are mainly concerned about traffic impact. Sainsbury’s has thrown all of its weight behind this to ensure planning is granted.”

Council officers warned that the committee could not judge the application on the merit of the company behind the build, and that it must be looked at purely from a planning perspective.